This new report details findings from a study OCLC conducted with libraries in mid-2011 to learn about their priorities, initiatives, thoughts on the future of their service points and the sources they use to keep up with developments in the library field. Most public library staff: (1) Anticipate that the top reason patrons are using their…

The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) is a voluntary survey conducted annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS collects these data under the mandate in the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 as stated in SEC. 210. The U.S. Census Bureau is the data collection agent for IMLS. The fiscal year (FY) 2009 survey is the…

Over the past decade, policy discussions about public access computing in libraries have focused on the role that these institutions play in bridging the digital divide. In these discussions, public access computing services are generally targeted at individuals who either cannot afford a computer and Internet access, or have never received formal…

This report is a sequel to the 2005 "Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources." This new report provides updated information and new insights into information consumers and their online habits, preferences, and perceptions. Particular attention was paid to how the current economic downturn has affected the information-seeking behaviors…

Over the past decade and a half, free access to computers and the Internet in U.S. public libraries evolved from a rare commodity into a core service. Now, people from all walks of life rely on this service every day to look for jobs, find health care, and read the latest news. As the nation struggled through a historic recession, nearly one-third…

This report marks the third release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2008. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

This report marks the second release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2007. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

This report provides summary information about public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2003. It covers service measures such as access to the Internet, number of users of electronic resources, number of Internet terminals used by the general public, reference transactions, public service hours,…

This report explores the true position of public libraries today, in the minds not only of library users, but of the people who run libraries and those who provide oversight and funding. This study is the first step in the development of a national agenda for libraries and library funding in the 21st century. Findings from this study indicate…

This report provides summary information about public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2002. It covers service measures such as access to the Internet, number of users of electronic resources, other electronic services, number of Internet terminals used by staff only, number of Internet terminals…

This report includes national and state summary data on public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with an introduction, selected findings, and tables. The report is based on data from the Public Libraries Survey for fiscal year 2005, and includes information on service measures such as number of users of electronic resources,…

This study updated statistics about public library outlet and system Internet connectivity and network services using the 1997 public library dataset produced by the National Center for Education Statistics through the Federal-State Cooperative System. Using geographic information system-based techniques, a research team at the Florida State…

Based on "Library Journal's" 1997 Public Library Budget Report, this article discusses the state of public libraries in terms of Internet-related costs, budgets, local, state and federal funding, and fundraising. Presents--in six tables segmented by population served--the financial situations of 84 randomly surveyed public libraries.…

This statistical report on Michigan's libraries presents data provided by academic libraries, public libraries, public library cooperatives, and those public libraries that that serve as regional or subregional outlets to provide services for blind and physically handicapped patrons. For academic libraries, data are compiled from the 1998 academic…

This summary of Nebraska Library statistics for the 1994-1995 fiscal year is a compilation of data reported by 234 of the 256 public libraries in the state. The major urban libraries of Omaha and Lincoln serve 47% of the state population, while 75% of libraries in the state serve populations under 2,500. Even with limited resources, Nebraska…